THE REV Denis Samways, one of Ryedale's best known rural clergymen, retired this week after nearly 40 years in the ministry.

Mr Samways has been rector of the united benefice of Kirby Misperton, Normanby, Edstone and Salton for the past seven years and is now moving to Kirkcudbright in Scotland. However, while he will have hung up his Church of England clerical collar, he will helping at the local church of the Episcopal Church of Scotland.

His ministry began in 1964 in Shipstone, moving to the York Diocese four years later when he became rector of Hinderwell near Whitby, then spent 14 years working with youth and community projects in Cleveland, before moving to be vicar of Boosbeck and Moorsholm.

In Ryedale, his vast parish has covered six churches. "Once upon a time, they would each have had their own vicar but consolidation of parishes is a sign of the times and I am sure it will continue," said Mr Samways.

During his ministry in Ryedale, he masterminded a major restoration of the organ and church roof at Kirby Misperton, succeeding in obtaining a £60,000 grant from the National Lottery.

Now he and his wife Judy plan to spend much of their retirement walking in south-west Scotland, sea fishing and sailing.

Parishioners have given him several retirement presents including a hand-carved bowl made from an ancient elm tree, and a decorated plate given by children at Salton, depicting the scene of the annual party on the village green - including a picture of himself playing football!

Updated: 10:30 Wednesday, October 02, 2002